Abstract: A microphone filter system for outputting an audio signal independent of electrical impedance of downstream devices. This system may include a filter section and an audio transformer that facilitate the outputting of the audio signal.

Abstract: Predicting gastrointestinal impairment may involve obtaining intestinal sounds of a patient to generate audio data, identifying predefined spectral events in the audio data that are predictive of subsequent gastrointestinal impairment, the spectral events being defined by predefined parameters, and predicting the likelihood of subsequent gastrointestinal impairment relative to the identified spectral events.

Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with environmental sensors. Environmental sensors may include one or more environmental sensor components and one or more acoustic components. Acoustic components may include a speaker or a microphone. Environmental sensor components may include a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, or other sensors or combinations of sensors for sensing attributes of the environment surrounding the device. The environmental sensor may have an enclosure with an opening. The enclosure may be formed from a rigid support structure and a portion of a printed circuit. The opening may be formed in the rigid support structure or the printed circuit. The opening in the enclosure for the environmental sensor may be aligned with an opening in an outer structural member for the device. The outer structural member may be a housing structure or a cover layer for a device display.

Abstract: LEDs arranged in a circle, a standing-wave laser module, a board with a computation unit provided thereon, and an LED control unit are disposed inside a case. Illumination light is irradiated outward from the LEDs, and microwaves are transmitted from the standing-wave laser module and the reflected waves are detected. The computation unit combines the transmitted waves and the reflected waves to detect standing waves, and the distance to the body off which the waves are reflected and minute displacements (e.g., pulse and respiration) are detected on the basis of the standing waves. Thus, merely installing the present invention in lieu of existing illumination apparatuses installed in restrooms, bathing rooms, corridors, and the like allows the position of a human body, and the respiratory rate, heart rate, and the like thereof to be detected, and allows sudden changes to the condition of the detected human body to be rapidly detected.

Abstract: Implantable systems and methods (e.g., using an implantable medical device) for measuring distance including a transmit/receive acoustic transducer implantable at a first location for transmitting and receiving acoustic signals, an echo acoustic transducer implantable at a second location for receiving the acoustic signal from the transmit/receive acoustic transducer and in response thereto transmitting a return echo signal to be received by the transmit/receive acoustic sensor, and a controller to control transmission of the acoustic signal from the transmit/receive acoustic transducer at a transmit time and determine a receive time corresponding to the time the transmit/receive acoustic transducer receives the return echo signal. The distance between the transmit/receive acoustic transducer and the echo acoustic transducer is determined as a function of the transmit time and the receive time.

Abstract: A physiological sensing stethoscope suitable for use in high-noise environments is disclosed. The stethoscope is designed to be substantially matched to the mechanical impedance of monitored physiological activity and substantially mismatched to the mechanical impedance of air-coupled acoustic activity. One embodiment of the stethoscope utilizes a passive acoustic system. Another embodiment utilizes an active Doppler system. The passive and active systems can be combined in one stethoscope enabling switching from a passive mode to an active mode suitable for use in very high-noise environments. The stethoscope is suitable for use in environments having an ambient background noise of 100 dBA and higher. The passive includes a head having a housing, a flexural disc mounted with the housing, and an electromechanical stack positioned between the housing and the flexural disc in contact with the skin of a patient. The active system detects Doppler shifts using a high-frequency transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: A sleep monitoring method and device classify segments of an acoustic physiological signal captured during sleep as snore and apnea segments. The method and device employ a phase-locked loop array to rapidly detect snore segments for widely variant snoring rhythms exhibited by different people or the same person over time. The phase-locked loop array integrates seamlessly with an apnea timer-thresholding mechanism that detects apnea segments.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and devices for generating sleep predicators to avoid preventable mental episodes from breaking through, thereby averting an irreversible brain damage to a patient, that may be caused by such future mental episodes. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method comprising: acquiring biomedical data from a patient by using a means of signal acquisition; forming a database of the biomedical records in which the database further comprises a sleep prediction algorithm, psychiatric records, and a statistical engine to compute the data and the psychiatric records using the algorithm; mapping the acquired data in reference to the sleep prediction algorithm; validating the sleep predictors; and providing an output of the sleep predicators to a patient or caretaker. The present invention can be used to treat mania, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety, and other chronic mental health conditions.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope includes a housing configured for hand-held manipulation, a transducer supported by the housing and configured to sense auscultation signals at a first location, and a headset coupled to the housing and configured to deliver audio corresponding to the auscultation signals through earpieces on the headset. The electronic stethoscope further includes a processor disposed in the housing and configured to convert the auscultation signals to first digital signals representative of the auscultation signals and to wirelessly transmit the first digital signals from the electronic stethoscope via a secure digital network to a second location such that the audio corresponding to the auscultation signals is provided to headsets of one or more additional electronic stethoscopes at the second location in substantial real time with the sensing of the auscultation sounds at the first location.

Abstract: The present invention is an esophageal stethoscope with a temperature sensor and earpiece. An esophageal stethoscope has a tube with a first end and a second end, where a sound-transmitting hydrophobic cuff covers the first end of the tube. The first end of the tube has a plurality of lateral openings and a thermistor extending from the first end but within the cuff. The second end of the tube is attached to a connector and has a temperature sensor sub-assembly that extends out of the second end and is connected to the thermistor. A monoscope tube is attached to the connector at a first end and has a memory foam earpiece at a second end. The monoscope tube also preferably has a clip near the earpiece. To facilitate sound transmission, monoscope tubes of different ID sizes are used.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, auscultation is performed using motor vehicle seats. The embodiments include a vehicle seat including a seat support member that includes at least one mounting rod extending in a longitudinal direction, and an auscultation device. The auscultation device includes at least one microphone that is movably coupled to the at least one mounting rod and configured to perform a screening of a passenger in the vehicle seat by capturing a bodily sound of the passenger. A controller is then configured to initiate the screening of the passenger and to diagnose the passenger based on results of the screening.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor is configured to provide accurate and robust measurement of bodily sounds under a variety of conditions, such as in noisy environments or in situations in which stress, strain, or movement may be imparted onto a sensor with respect to a patient. Embodiments of the sensor provide a conformable electrical shielding, as well as improved acoustic and mechanical coupling between the sensor and the measurement site.

Abstract: Disclosed techniques include monitoring a physiological characteristic of a patient with a sensor that is mounted to an inner wall of a thoracic cavity of the patient, and sending a signal based on the monitored physiological characteristic from the sensor to a remote device.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing sleep period states that a person experiences during a sleep period, the method comprising: using a non-contact microphone to acquire a sleep sound signal representing sounds made by a person during sleep; segmenting the sleep sound signals into epochs; generating a sleep sound feature vector for each epoch; providing a first model that gives a probability that a given sleep period state experienced by the person in a given epoch exhibits a given sleep sound feature vector; providing a second model that gives a probability that a first sleep period state associated with a first epoch transitions to a second sleep period state associated with a subsequent second epoch; and processing the feature vectors using the first and second models to determine a sleep period state of the person from a plurality of possible sleep period states for each of the epochs.

Abstract: A health monitor includes a belt, a belt-buckle and a reader. The belt-buckle is connected to an end of the belt, and is configured to buckle up with the belt when the belt is rounded in a form of a ring. The reader is located at the belt-buckle, and is configured to read a buckling position where the belt-buckle and the belt buckle up.

Abstract: A bioacoustic sensor assembly is described including a transducer generating an acoustic signal and an actuator configured to deform a portion of the transducer to increase a signal-to-noise ratio of the acoustic signal. The disclosure also provides methods and systems for reducing the impact of noise vibrations at the transducer.

Abstract: A bioacoustic processing apparatus capable of outputting information that represents the current state of attachment of a bioacoustic sensor. The bioacoustic processing apparatus (300), which processes acoustic signals from a bioacoustic sensor (200) attached to a body surface, comprises: a noise-extracting unit (320) for extracting the noise component contained in an acoustic signal from the acoustic signal, and a noise type classification unit (340) for classifying the extracted noise component into one of a plurality of noise types that correspond to different respective states of attachment of the bioacoustic sensor (200) and outputting information that corresponds to the results of said classification.

Abstract: Apparatuses for detecting swallowing disorders and methods for using same are provided. In a general embodiment, the apparatuses include a disposable sensor base and a sensor that is received by the disposable sensor base. The sensor base includes a sensor interface having a predetermined cut-away shape and a directionally-keyed mating surface. The sensor includes a handle portion having a shape that corresponds to the predetermined shape of the sensor interface, a support portion configured to be received by the directionally-keyed mating surface when the sensor is inserted into the sensor interface, and electronics configured to collect data sensed by the sensor. The apparatuses of the present disclosure can be attached to a patient's neck to detect and/or diagnose swallowing disorders during a swallowing test.

Abstract: A wireless stethoscope is described, having wireless sensors that are enclosed in disposable pads so that the same pads are not used on more than one patient, preventing cross-infection of patients associated with conventional stethoscopes. The present wireless stethoscope also detects pulmonary sounds and cardiac sounds, allowing the user to monitor one or the other without interference. Also described is a method for diagnosing a pulmonary condition using the wireless stethoscope.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for acquiring, processing and transmitting physiological sounds, which may include acoustic sounds from at least one organ in a biological system, may include a sensor for acquiring physiological sounds. Analogue signals representative of the physiological sounds are converted into an electrical output. The electrical output is converted to digital data. A processing unit processes the digital data in a manner selected by a user.

Abstract: An adhesive patch for monitoring acoustic signals from a human or animal body, comprising a skin contact surface, converting means for recording both body acoustic signals and environmental acoustic noise, reducing the body signals by the recorded noise, and providing a first electric output signal. The patch also comprising an adhesive element and a compression structure for attaching the converting means to the skin surface. The patch further comprises transmitting means for transmitting the output signal to a peripheral device.

Abstract: A vital signs sensing apparatus includes a sound sensing unit and a pressure unit. The sound sensing unit senses a sound inside a body of a user and produces an audio signal. The pressure unit produced a pressure signal. The pressure signal indicates a degree of closeness between the vital signs sensing apparatus and the user. The audio signal is transformed into a processed audio signal according to the pressure signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable sleeve for covering an instrument. The present invention also provides an instrument embedded in a sleeve. Also provided are a method of covering an instrument with a sleeve, a method of performing a medical procedure, a method of performing sonotubometry, a method of injecting steroids to prevent scarring, and a method of filtering cavities by using the sleeve and instrument combination.

Abstract: Acoustic impulses from a muscle are converted into an electrical signal with a transducer such as a piezo film microphone, and analog or digital signal processing circuitry determines the density of self-similar spectral components of the signal and generating an output signal representative of the contractile force of the muscle based upon the density of the self-similar spectral components. The circuitry is used to determine self-similar spectral components of the signal and the density of those components, and the density is used to provide an output signal filtering. Different embodiments use combinations of filtering, Fourier analysis and correlation or auto-correlation. The self-similar spectral components may be pre-determined or determined through signal processing. The output signal may be used to calculate muscle contractile force, fatigue or other muscle conditions.

Abstract: A method of operating a computational device to process patient sounds, the method comprises the steps of: extracting features from segments of said patient sounds; and classifying the segments as cough or non-cough sounds based upon the extracted features and predetermined criteria; and presenting a diagnosis of a disease related state on a display under control of the computational device based on segments of the patient sounds classified as cough sounds.

Abstract: It is presented a sensor comprising a sensor plate (14), a base piece (15) and a first sensor membrane (7a) and a second sensor membrane (7b), each having a side of positive electrical polarity and a side of negative electrical polarity. Each one of the first sensor membrane and the second sensor membrane is mounted between the sensor plate and the base piece while allowing movement of the sensor plate in relation to the mounting piece. The first sensor membrane and the second sensor membrane are mounted such that their respective sides of positive electrical polarity face each other or face away from each other. A corresponding electronic stethoscope is also presented.

Abstract: A method for performing one or more medical examinations of a patient using a diagnostics device, wherein for at least one medical examination of the medical examinations, the method comprising: providing reference data indicative of a desired spatial disposition of the device with respect to the patient's body for performing the medical examination; operating the device for acquiring navigation enabling data; determining a spatial disposition of the device with respect to the desired spatial disposition, utilizing the acquired navigation enabling data and the reference data; calculating a required movement correction from the determined spatial disposition to the desired spatial disposition, for acquiring medical data of the patient in accordance with the at least one medical examination; providing a user with maneuvering instructions to navigate the device to the desired spatial disposition in accordance with the calculated route; and acquiring the medical data upon arrival to the desired spatial dispositio

Abstract: A decorative device for use with a medical instrument having a tubing structure, the decorative device including at least one connector configured to removably couple to the tubing structure on the medical instrument, the connector having a face plate engaging structure configured to attachably engage at least tone decorative face plate member.

Abstract: A physiological monitor is provided for determining a physiological parameter of a medical patient with a multi-stage sensor assembly. The monitor includes a signal processor configured to receive a signal indicative of a physiological parameter of a medical patient from a multi-stage sensor assembly. The multi-stage sensor assembly is configured to be attached to the physiological monitor and the medical patient. The monitor of certain embodiments also includes an information element query module configured to obtain calibration information from an information element provided in a plurality of stages of the multi-stage sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the signal processor is configured to determine the physiological parameter of the medical patient based upon said signal and said calibration information.

Abstract: A stethoscope with a built-in light and/or a timepiece powered with a power source subassembly for examining patients' vital signs is disclosed. The stethoscope includes a chestpiece assembly with a diaphragm component, a light source subassembly, a switch subassembly which is operatively connected to the light source subassembly and controls the off and on position of a light emitting element. In some embodiments, the chestpiece assembly of the stethoscope further includes a timepiece subassembly to measure time during a vital sign examination. The switch subassembly of chestpiece assembly is configured to provide operational control of the current flow from the power source subassembly to the light emitting element as well as control over the acoustic valve subassembly that would inhibit or permit the transmission of sound waves from the diaphragm through the acoustic tube.

Abstract: A cough detection, analysis, and communication platform may be provided. The platform may comprise methods, systems, and a devices for detecting, analyzing, and communicating cough detection data. A cough detection device may comprise at least one microphone and analytic firmware used to employ methods of detecting, analyzing, and communicating the cough detection data. The analytic software may be updated to use the appropriate algorithms for an individual or corresponding demographic based on, for example, age and disease, with abnormal cough frequency components, abnormal cough frequency profiles, and alert thresholds. The cough detection device may be configured to communicate cough detection data to a server. The server, in turn, may be operative to process and communicate the data to a third party, such as, for example, a physician. Systems may further be operative to provide a user interface (e.g., mobile or web applications) for interfacing with the platform.

Abstract: It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a method for recording a response to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) utilizing a bi-phasic double pulse pair from a TMS coil device to stimulate a subject wherein the second pulse has a lower amplitude compared to the first pulse in the bi-phasic double pulse pair. Significant advantages are achieved using bi-phasic double pulse pairs, particularly where the second pulse in a pair has an intensity lower than the first. Obtaining measurements is simpler and more accurate as the number and intensity of stimulation can be reduced compared to standard single pulse stimulation.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a fetus in a pregnant woman, and/or the maternal health risk for pregnancies complicated by such as pre-eclampsia and hypertensive disorders is configured to be worn by the pregnant woman, preferably so as to allow monitoring during daily life, e.g. in the form of an adhesive patch. The unit has a sound sensor, e.g. a microphone or accelerometer, to be positioned on the skin of the abdominal area so as to detect a vascular sound from umbilical arteries of the fetus or from the uterine arteries of the pregnant woman. The sound sensor is functionally connected to a processing unit which executes a processing algorithm on the captured vascular sound and extracts a signal parameter accordingly. The processing unit then communicates the signal parameter, e.g. using an audio signal, a visual display or by means of a wired or a wireless data signal.

Abstract: A device for converting acoustic data collected by a stethoscope into digital data for transmission to a processor for storage and/or comparison with data stored in a database, and to optionally provide computer generated suggestions for diagnosis, is provided in the form of an in-line device interposable between a head of the stethoscope and an acoustic transmission portion of the stethoscope, or is integral with the head, and advantageously has the appearance of an icon of pleasing appearance, for example, a butterfly, in which are incorporated the structural requisites of a functioning stethoscope and/or capabilities for receiving and transmitting to a diagnostician, audio signals gathered from patient examination, and optionally also other data collected at examination and/or following the examination. The butterfly-shaped device, includes a central body advantageously serving as a conduit for transmitting sound received from the patient to the physician or a remote system for analysis and diagnosis.

Abstract: A peristaltic sound detection apparatus (10) includes matching coefficient calculation means for calculating a plurality of matching coefficients by individually matching a frequency spectrum of a biological sound and a plurality of standard frequency spectra of peristaltic sounds.

Abstract: A device for stuttering alleviation is disclosed, comprising a speech sensor, configured to output signals indicative of speech, a processing unit configured to detect stuttering, log stuttering and/or produce stimulation indication based on stimulation rules Said device may further comprise a remote server and a server user interface, configured to allow the speech therapist access to the processing unit. Further provided is a method for accelerating the learning procedure for obtaining a permanent fluent speech, comprising receiving and analyzing speech parameters, determining whether a negative reinforcement is required and executing the negative reinforcement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus including medical devices having features for monitoring sounds and motions indicative of a state of health or administration of CPR to a subject. In one embodiment, a therapeutic device such as a therapy electrode comprises a layer configured to deliver a therapy to a subject and an acoustic sensor on the therapeutic device and coupled to the layer.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for collecting, processing, recording and analyzing sounds associated with the physiologic activities of various human organs. The system includes a plurality of transducers placed on the body surface at the operator's discretion. The transducers are coupled to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for enhancement of the desired signal and exclusion of ambient noise. An A/D converter digitizes the incoming data and transmits data, which is divided into a multitude of discrete blocks, received over very finite intervals of time, to a computer workstation and moved through an analysis program sequentially. The program is displayed as a series of icons which depict operations that the program performs and which allow the operator to reprogram the system at any time. The data is finally displayed in graphical format and stored in memory as the program processes each block sequentially.

Abstract: Implantable sensors and methods for detecting changes in a characteristic of a soft tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, an implantable sensor for detecting indicators of cartilage wear in a joint is provided. The implantable sensor includes a sensing element for detecting a signal indicative of a characteristic of the cartilage of the joint and a telemetry circuit in communication with the sensing element for transmitting a data set representative of the detected signal. In another embodiment, a system for detecting changes in joint cartilage includes an implantable acoustic sensing element and an external receiver in communication with the implantable acoustic sensing element. In other embodiments, methods of detecting cartilage degradation in a joint and methods of using the disclosed sensors are provided.

Abstract: An acoustic monitoring system has an acoustic front-end, a first signal path from the acoustic front-end directly to an audio transducer and a second signal path from the acoustic front-end to an acoustic data processor via an analog-to-digital converter. The acoustic front-end receives an acoustic sensor signal responsive to body sounds in a person. The audio transducer provides continuous audio of the body sounds. The acoustic data processor provides audio of the body sounds upon user demand.

Abstract: A mobile device for an electronic stethoscope, including: a microphone, which receive an acoustic signal coming from an area of the body during a detection period and generates an auscultation signal of an electrical type, as a function of the acoustic signal; a transmitter; a processing unit, which transmits the auscultation signal to an external electronic device, through the transmitter; and an electronic accelerometer, which generates an acceleration signal indicating acceleration of the mobile device. The processing unit generates, on the basis of the acceleration signal, a position signal, indicating the position of the mobile device during the detection period, and transmits the position signal to the external electronic device, through the transmitter.

Abstract: An adhesive patch for monitoring acoustic signals from a human or animal body, comprising a skin contact surface, converting means for recording the acoustic signals and converting it to a first electric output signal, and an adhesive element for attaching the converting means to the skin surface, the patch further comprises transmitting means for transmitting the output signal to a peripheral device.

Abstract: A system that automatically detects a myocardial barotrauma (i.e., tissue pop) event so that proper post-procedure care can be given includes an electronic control unit (ECU), a computer-readable memory coupled with the ECU, and detection logic stored in the memory configured to be executed by the ECU. The detection logic is configured to receive a signal generated by an electro-acoustic transducer related to acoustic activity within the patient, monitor the signal for a pre-determined indication of a barotrauma event, and output a notification when the pre-determined indication is detected. The transducer can be integrated with an extra-body patch that includes one or more electrodes for use with a medical device navigation system.

Abstract: An oral appliance assembly is described. The assembly includes an oral appliance component having an upper teeth tray and a lower teeth tray. The assembly further includes a module releasably connected to the oral appliance. The module includes at least one sensor that is positioned outside of the mouth and underneath the nares of a subject's nose when the oral appliance component is positioned in the subject's mouth. A method of measuring user compliance of an oral appliance is also described. The method includes positioning an oral appliance in the mouth of a subject, measuring at least one parameter of airflow from the subject's nose or mouth, and determining compliance based on the at least one measured parameter. A method of measuring effectiveness of an oral appliance is also described.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a patient to identify a sleep breathing disorder, comprising: a) Collecting, using a handheld monitoring device, a plurality of respiratory sounds of a patient using one or more sensors which are connected to the handheld monitoring device. b) Recording environment noise during the sleep session and averaging the environment noise to set an average noise level. c) Calculating a dynamic threshold according to the average noise level. d) Deriving a plurality of amplitudes from the plurality of respiratory sounds according to the dynamic threshold. e) Identifying a sleep breathing disorder event by analyzing a pattern of the plurality of amplitudes.

Abstract: Examples of the present invention utilize principal component analysis (PCA) to detect cough sounds in an audio stream. Comparison of all or portions of the audio stream with a cough model may be conducted. The cough model may include a number of basis vectors may be based on initial portions of known coughs. The initial portions may be non-user specific, and accordingly the cough model may be used to detect coughs across individuals. Moreover, examples of the present invention may reconstruct the cough sounds from stored features such that the cough sounds are reconstructed but the reconstruction techniques used may be insufficient to reconstruct speech sounds that may also have been recorded, which may increase user privacy.

Abstract: A physiological sound examination device which supports estimation of a state of a living body includes a first physiological sound measurement unit; a second physiological sound measurement unit; a power ratio calculation unit which calculates a power ratio which is a ratio of first physiological sound signal power to second physiological sound signal power; and an illness-related gain calculation unit which calculates a transfer-characteristic of the physiological sound in the living body by computing the power ratio. A power calculation unit which calculates first power which is the second physiological sound signal power in a first frequency band; and an illness-related high frequency power ratio calculation unit which calculates a sound-source-characteristic of the physiological sound by computing the first power. The computing is performed to reduce an influence of the respiratory flow velocity and/or the size of the living body.

Abstract: A multifunction stethoscope comprising a stethoscope, where the stethoscope includes a tubing and a headset; a chest piece attached to an end of the tubing, where the chest piece includes a diaphragm and a bell; a time display positioned on the chest piece, where the time display includes a stopwatch; and a light positioned on the chest piece, where the light includes an on/off button for activation. The multifunction stethoscope allows a user to utilize a light and timer with the standard functions of the stethoscope.

Abstract: A sleep evaluation device includes an obtainment unit configured to obtain audio and a determination unit configured to determine a snoring level in the audio obtained by the obtainment unit based on an amount of time for which the audio occurred. The determination unit is configured to determine a snoring level based on a ratio of a cumulative time in which the obtainment unit obtains the audio to a number of times the audio is obtained by the obtainment unit.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for acquiring, processing and transmitting physiological sounds may include a sensor for acquiring physiological sounds. Analog signals representative of the physiological sounds are converted into an electrical output. The electrical output is converted to digital data. A processing unit processes the digital data. The digital data is transmitted over a wireless network.